Jonathan Alter – A Reality Check On ‘Change’

Newsweek’s Jonathan Alter, in his latest column, compares the legislative records between Obama and McCain as well as how their temperments affected their ability to work across the aisle.

The more I read about John McCain, the more certain I am that he is not the man to be President. He’s characterized as a gambler who goes with his first “gut” reaction rather than think through the ramifications; he’s too “gung ho” militarily rather than try to solve international problems through diplomacy; he sees threats everywhere – including India and China – that require military action; his lack of knowledge on economic matters is legendary; and his temperment is extremely volatile which has caused many in his own party to not want him as President.

Is this the candidate who is going to keep us safe at home and abroad? Is this the candidate who knows how to put our economy back on its feet? Is this the candidate who is going to be able to bring both political parties together to actually get things done?

No one with any knowledge of his views, background and opinions, outside of his political operatives and party – sometimes gut retchingly so – seem to think so.

The more I learn about him, the more he scares me. We just cannot afford a McCain presidency.

Regardless of whether you personally like Obama or not, he’s getting high marks from those who have expertise in fiscal matters, international relations, energy policy, and the economy.

So, I ask you does it really matter that he’s not quite like you? Does it really matter that he is black instead of white? Does it really matter that he has an odd sounding name that his white mother gave him to honor his father? Does it really matter that you don’t feel like you can relate to him the same way you did GW Bush in the last election? (And look where that got us!?!)

Is it not better to hire a president who, by all knowledgeable accounts, has the ability to solve the many and dire problems facing this country?

Remember your job, your retirement, your health care, and your children’s future depend upon how you vote in this election.